The Fortunes of Africa: A 5,000-Year History of
Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor
Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of
the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was the lure of gold, ivory,
and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers,
and conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of
attention is on oil, diamonds, and other valuable
minerals.Land was another prize. The Romans relied on their
colonies in northern Africa for vital grain shipments to feed
the population of Rome. Arab invaders followed in their wake,
eventually colonizing the entire region. More recently, foreign
corporations have acquired huge tracts of land to secure food
supplies needed abroad, just as the Romans did.In this vast
and vivid panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the
fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years. With
compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient
kingdoms and empires; the spread of Christianity and Islam;
the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of
explorers and missionaries; and the

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Descriptions
Africa has been coveted for its riches ever since the era of the Pharaohs. In past centuries, it was
the lure of gold, ivory, and slaves that drew fortune-seekers, merchant-adventurers, and
conquerors from afar. In modern times, the focus of attention is on oil, diamonds, and other
valuable minerals.Land was another prize. The Romans relied on their colonies in northern Africa
for vital grain shipments to feed the population of Rome. Arab invaders followed in their wake,
eventually colonizing the entire region. More recently, foreign corporations have acquired huge
tracts of land to secure food supplies needed abroad, just as the Romans did.In this vast and vivid
panorama of history, Martin Meredith follows the fortunes of Africa over a period of 5,000 years.
With compelling narrative, he traces the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms and empires; the spread
of Christianity and Islam; the enduring quest for gold and other riches; the exploits of explorers
and missionaries; and the